Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) Anambra State Branch has called on Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to take seriously the issue of security challenges bedeviling the State raised recently by fiery Catholic Priest, Reverend Father Emmanuel Obimma, the Spiritual Director Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry Uke. Father Obimma is also popularly callther Father Ebube Muonso.
The CLO regretted that the criticism of Governor Soludo especially on his lack of empathy for Anambra people over the continuing insecurity has generated “avoidable political tension and unnecessary vitriolic attacks by Media Warriors” of the Governor, saying that “it is no exaggeration but irrefutable truth that Fr. Ebube Muonso is patriotic, courageous and outspoken clergy who always stands for truth, socioeconomic justice, equity, integrity and good governance.”
In a press statement tagged “When a leader is right be with him, if he is still right stay with him and when he is wrong advise him,” endorsed by Evangelist Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme AMBP-UN and Comrade Chidi Mbah, CLO Chairman and Secretary respectively, the group said that “the greatest threat to our democracy and democratic culture is absence of fraternal, patriotic and constructive criticisms.
“As critical stakeholder in Anambra Project, he played indispensable roles towards Soludo’s emergency as Governor of Anambra and would want the governor and government of Anambra State to succeed beyond expectations, hence his constructive criticisms.
“It is pertinent to note that prior to 2021 governorship election in Anambra State when because fear of unknown it was difficult for religious leaders, politicians and political parties to publicly speak about the election or canvass for votes. It is of great relevance to recall that Rev. Fr. Obimma took the risk alongside late Chief Dr. Pius Ezeife, Civil Liberties Organization, Justice Development and Peace Caritas and others to campaigned vigorously for citizens participation as well as to ensure free, fair, credible and generally acceptable election.
“Fr Ebube Muonso was among those that condemned attack on Soludo at Isuofia prior to 2021 Governorship election, so anyone saying that he work against Soludo is economical with the truth. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma view should be given holistic, patriotic, nationalistic attention it deserved.
“It is of prime importance to note that truth can never be faulted, falsified or fortified, let it loose it will defend itself. The greatest and best friend of any leader is the one that usually tells him what he needed to know and do for the better of the citizenry.
“Those attacking and insulting Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma should sheath their sword and toe the path of civility, decorum, respect as constructive criticisms is one of the best ingredients of democracy. Instead of their unguarded utterances to enhances goodwill and interest of the governor and government it hinders it, the governor should call stakeholders meeting comprising religious, civil society, markets, town unions leaders and security agents to proffer patriotic, honest and permanent solution to alarming security challenges bedeviling the State.
“It is on record that those casting unsubstantiated aspersion on Fr.Obimma can’t even influence their immediate family members to come out on the day of election to vote, yet Fr. Ebube Muo has influence on nearly ten per cent of Anambra electorate. As Priest of God, he deserves our respect.
“His Excellency should bear it mind that Fr.Ebube Muo loves him, citizens and Anambrarians and wants their lives to be protected and safeguarded, which is the greatest and best essence of every government.
“We appeal to Governor Charles Soludo to help immensely to douse political tension in the State by calling on his media warriors and supporters to desist from making sensitive political statement that will hurts perceived or imaginary opponents. Rather, he should instruct his Chief Press Secretary Chief Chris Aburime or Commissioner For Information Dr. Law Mefor to speak for the Governor or government in mature, civil and respectful manner devoid of character assassination.”
